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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

SNP still has 'outstanding balance' owed to Peter Murrell, says Humza Yousaf

THE First Minister has revealed the SNP owe an "outstanding balance" to Peter Murrell.

Humza Yousaf told reporters the party continues to owe money to it's former chief executive after a loan to help with "cash flow".

In December 2022, it emerged that Murrell had loaned the party £100,000 the year prior.

Following First Minister's Questions, Yousaf was asked if the money was still outstanding to Murrell.

Yousaf said: "I think there is money still absolutely outstanding to Peter Murrell in terms of the repayment of the loan."

Another reporter followed up Yousaf's comment by enquiring "how much?" 

He replied: "Again, it will be important I lay that out after the governance and transparency review. I don't think I need to give a running commentary on the SNP financies line by line. Let's let the goverenance and transparency review do it's job."

He further added that SNP would appoint a new treasurer "in the coming days".

It comes as Yousaf was thrusted into overseeing the party’s finances following Colin Beattie’s resignation as treasurer on Wednesday.

The National: Murrell seen in public for first time since arrestMurrell seen in public for first time since arrest (Image: PA)

Reports of the loan from Murrell were reported in December with the party responding that it was to help with a “cash flow” issue after the election that year.

At the time, Nicola Sturgeon said: “The resources that he lent the party were resources that belonged to him.”

Yousaf was also asked if the SNP is facing bankruptcy.

The First Minister said: “We’re definitely not facing bankruptcy, I’m pleased to say we are on a steady footing when it comes to the party’s finances.

“I don’t think Parliament is the place to do a statement on the party’s finances.

“I’ve, of course, instructed the governance and transparency review and when the report comes in on that review, I’ll make that public.”

Murrell was detained earlier this month and questioned by detectives for 11 hours before being released without charge “pending further investigation.

Police investigating the party’s finances also arrested the then SNP treasurer Colin Beattie on Tuesday, who was later released without charge, while a motorhome which was intended to be used for party campaigning was seized from the driveway of Murrell’s mother.

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